Archaeology
The Sint Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (S.E.C.A.R.) was formed as a non-profit research group under the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation on Statia in 2000. S.E.C.A.R. provides a permanent archaeological presence on St. Eustatius with the goal of protecting and developing the historical resources located on the island in full cooperation with local residents
.

Banking
First Caribbean International Bank is open Mondays to Fridays from 08.30 hrs -15.30 hrs. The Post Office Bank, Post Spaarbank opens Mondays to Fridays from 07.30 - 16.00 hrs. The Windward Island Bank is open Mondays to Fridays from 08.00 hrs - 15.30 hrs non-stop.

Business Services
Offices and stores are usually open from 08.00 hours until 18.00 hrs. Supermarkets are open at 07.30 hours and usually remain open until 19.00 hrs.

Car Rental
With a valid foreign, or international driving licence, you are allowed to drive a car on Statia. You can choose from at least thirteen rental companies. For information inquire at your hotel or the Tourist Information Stand at the Airport.

Reddy Car Rental
An independent Car Rental Company.
We offer competitive prices & great service to the community and visitors to our beautiful Island. Our fleet consist of 9 cars. Chevrolet Aveo - Hyundai i10 - Hyundai Matrix and Daihatsu Sirion. Get in touch to make a reservation. Reddy Car Rental: Always the right choice!
Tel: (+599) 318-5564/0091
Email: reddycarrental@gmail.com

Rainbow Car Rental
Tel: (+599) 318-2811
Fax: (+599) 318- 2586

Rivers Car Rental
Tel: (+599) 318-2309
Fax: (+599) 318-2566

Schmidt Car Rental
Tel/Fax: (+599) 318-2788

Walter's Car Rental
Tel/Fax: (+599) 318-2719

Children on VacationStatians love children and make great baby sitters. Inquire at your hotel or guesthouse. Beware of sunburn. Most skin cancer in later life is the result of damage during childhood. Cream up as often as possible, especially after a swim. Activities; nature hikes, walking tour and snorkelling.

ClimateGenerally dry and sunny. Light constant northeast trade winds bring constant cool breezes and sufficient moisture to keep the average daytime temperature down to about 27 degrees Celsius. The average night temperature drops to a comfortable 23 degrees. Rainfall occurs in showers of medium duration during the months of April, June and September. Check the current weather forecast.

Communications
You can get in touch with the entire world from this tiny dot in the Caribbean. Statia enjoys an up-to-date communication system. Information - Telephone: (+599) 318-2210.
The local telephone company is the St. Eustatius Telephone Company N.V.
Colourful CaribTel calling cards are for sale starting at NAF 18 or $US10. Cards can be bought at the Post Office at Fiscal Road and can be used in most public telephones on the island.

To call Statia from the U.S. or Canada, dial 011 (the international access code), then 599 (the country code for the Netherlands Antilles), and finally 318 (the area code for Statia) and the 4-digit local number. Internet access is also available on the island.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted. If you are in any doubt, do check before you commit yourself.

Stenapa is a dedicated environmental organization developed to protect the marine and land environment as well as endangered species.

Education
The education system is European and more specifically, Dutch. General Instruction is given in the Dutch language. English and Spanish are also taught in the schools. The range of educational facilities include primary, elementary, secondary and vocational. Scholarships, loans and grants are available for further study in the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Electricity
The voltage is 110 A.C. 60 cycles. 220 voltage A.C. will not work without a transformer. Plugs tend to be two
flat prongs. Please conserve energy.

Entry Requirements
A valid passport is the entry requirement for visitors to St. Eustatius including USA and Canadian citizens. Birth Certificates and drivers licenses are no longer accepted.

Citizens of most countries in the world do not need a visa for their entry to St. Eustatius. However visitors from the following countries are required to have a visa for stays of up to 3 months (90 days) in the Netherlands Antilles:

Carnival is the main event of the year and takes place for ten days usually starting in July until early August. It is very similar to other Caribbean carnivals with a Pyjama Jump-up in the early morning and Carnival Queen and Calypso Competition culminating in the burning of King Momo, the spirit of the carnival.

Holidays
New Year, January 1, begins with fireworks at midnight.
March - Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday,
Queen's Day on April 30.
Ascension Day
May 1 - Labour Day
October 21 - Antillean Day
November 16 is Statia-America Day, commemorating the year 1776, when Statia became the first foreign nation to recognize the Union Flag and America's Independence.
December 25, Christmas Day
December 26, Boxing Day.

Hotel Service Charge
There is a 7% service charge on room rates. At hotels, the service charge on food and beverage is 15% in
lieu of gratuities.

Internet Access
Public access to the internet is available from the Public Library in Oranjestad and at Computers & More (Telephone: 599-318-2596; e-mail: mbvi@goldenrock.net).

Language
Statians have a love for different cultures and speak several languages, including English, Dutch and Spanish. Dutch is the official language used in government administration and schools. English is spoken everywhere. You can be assured, whatever language you may speak, Statians will find a way to communicate with you!

Location
St. Eustatius, affectionately called Statia, is approximately 5 miles/8 km long and 2 miles/3.2 km wide, covering a total of 11.8 square miles or approximately 30.6 square kilometres. The island has a population of 3183 as of September 2006 and is located in the north eastern Caribbean. It is 150 miles / 240 km east of Puerto Rico (latitude 17.00, longitude 63.04), 90 miles / 144 km east of St. Croix, 38 miles / 60.8 km south of St. Maarten and 17 miles / 27.2 km southeast of Saba.

Statia is only a few hours by air from major USA cities and a mere 15 minutes flying time from St. Maarten. Together with sister islands Saba and St. Maarten, Statia forms the Windward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean.

Medical School
The island has an ECFMG-accredited medical school leading to an M.D. degree for people interested in practicing medicine in the U.S.

Medical services
The island has an excellent standard of health care at the Queen Beatrix Hospital with two doctors on 24-hour call. Tel: (+599) 3182211.

Population
Statia's population is 3183 as per September 2006 and is made up mainly from people of black African descent with a pleasant nature and a zeal for work.

The first inhabitants of Statia were the Saladoids, who arrived in great sea-going canoes from South America before the end of the 15th century. In the 1600's, slaves of African descent were brought to the island to cultivate the land, which had more than seventy plantations. At the end of the 18th century, slavery had been outlawed in the Dutch Antilles. Today, people of more than 20 nationalities live in harmony on this peaceful Dutch Caribbean Island.

Postal Services
Statia has an efficient postal service and the main post office is located on Fiscal Road. Opening hours weekdays 07.30 hours until 16.00 hours. Tel: (+599) 3182678.

Airmail to Europe takes four to six days, surface mail four to six weeks.

Rainy Days
We are sorry, but we do need rain sometimes to keep everything fresh and green. If it rains, divings always possible or why not go to the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum, watch TV, read a book, write your postcards or just use your imagination!

Religious Services
Visitors to Statia are welcome at all houses of worship. The following religions have services on the island: Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Jehovah Witnesses, Bahai Faith, Baptist, Anglican, Apostolic Faith, Pentecostal and World of Faith Ministry.

Shopping
Opening days and hours of our gift shops, bakeries and supermarkets.

Water
Advisory for visitors: make sure you boil the water before drinking it.

Weddings
Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind experience? And would you prefer a unique destination for your marriage? If that's the case, make sure you explore wonderful St. Eustatius. The island offers the right atmosphere for a unique wedding. Click here to find out everything you need to know about getting married on the Golden Rock!

What to Wear
For the most part, casual informal summer wear is the rule in Statia. Women may wish to take along a headscarf or hat. Casual elegant clothing is advisable for a night out in one of the island's intimate restaurants.

When to Visit Statia
Many visitors come to enjoy the island's mild temperature and to escape the cold between mid-December and mid-April (high Season). You will, however, discover that this excellent weather prevails throughout the year.